Local Shipping Agency Thrives as Vizhinjam Seaport Welcomes Large Vessels
With the opening of the Vizhinjam International Seaport to larger vessels, a city-based shipping agency, Waterline Shipping and Logistics Private Limited, has emerged as a key player in the logistics and shipping sector. The company has distinguished itself by not only facilitating the arrival and mooring of big vessels but also by employing and training members of the local coastal community for specialized roles in port operations.
Waterline’s success has coincided with the rapid development of Vizhinjam Seaport, which is fast becoming a hub for large-scale shipping operations. Over the past few months, Waterline has managed the mooring activities for all 30 ships arriving at the port as part of trial runs, underscoring its expanding role in the local maritime landscape. By offering competitive services with a community-driven workforce, Waterline has quickly established itself in a market traditionally dominated by major global firms.
Pioneering Operations in Mooring and Ship Facilitation
One of Waterline’s standout achievements was handling the Asterios, a feeder vessel from Singapore. The vessel’s operation at Vizhinjam is particularly significant, as Asterios carried nearly 800 containers off-loaded from a mothership for eventual delivery to Oman. In most cases, similar operations would be conducted by global shipping giants like Maersk, MSC, or Express, highlighting Waterline’s impressive leap in facilitating large-scale logistics.
Handling the mooring for each of the 30 ships that arrived for trial runs has positioned Waterline as a go-to partner for vessel operators at Vizhinjam. Beyond mooring, the company has served as a comprehensive ship agency by coordinating the necessary paperwork, managing crew changes, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This level of involvement marks an unprecedented contribution by a local firm in port operations, with Waterline actively helping to establish Vizhinjam as a reliable transit point for major shipping lines.
Mooring is a meticulous task requiring precise timing and coordination, often complicated by changing ocean currents and unpredictable weather. Waterline’s team, under the leadership of Manoj Nair, MD and CEO, has met these challenges effectively. Nair, who brings the expertise of his former roles in the Coast Guard and Navy, emphasized the importance of precision in mooring. “Our average mooring time is 30-45 minutes. Ensuring safety and efficiency while docking these large vessels is our primary goal, and we’ve developed a team capable of meeting this challenge,” Nair said. Since its inception, Waterline has secured service orders in competition with 43 other ship agencies at Vizhinjam, further attesting to its credibility and capability.
A Commitment to Community
What sets Waterline apart is its commitment to hiring locally. All 15 of its employees are from the coastal fishing community around Vizhinjam. This decision aligns with Waterline’s mission to foster sustainable job opportunities for the community while building a workforce with the unique skills required for port logistics. Recognizing the economic challenges faced by the coastal community, Waterline’s approach empowers local residents with training in mooring operations, ship maintenance, and supply logistics.
The Vizhinjam project has been met with enthusiasm from the local community, which has long awaited an economic revitalization in the region. Waterline’s model not only promotes local employment but also provides these workers with valuable skills transferable within the maritime industry. By actively integrating the fishing community into its operations, Waterline has earned the respect of both port officials and the vessels it services.
Supporting Global Standards in Operations
Waterline’s involvement in high-profile mooring activities began in October 2023, when it successfully managed the docking of ‘Zhen Hua 15,’ the first ship to berth at Vizhinjam Port. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a series of operations that have positioned Waterline as a trusted service provider. The firm has also received commendations from Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd and Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd, particularly for handling the San Fernando, the first mothership to dock at the port as part of a trial run in July.
Waterline’s commitment to quality is evident not only in its mooring capabilities but also in its ship chandler services, which include supplying provisions and necessary equipment to visiting vessels. The company recently provided chandling services to two large MSC vessels, catering to crew needs and ensuring smooth sailing upon departure. This comprehensive range of services allows Waterline to provide all-inclusive logistical support to vessels stopping at Vizhinjam, from arrival to departure.
Strategic Leadership and Vision
Manoj Nair’s vision for Waterline was inspired by his background in the Coast Guard and Navy, which instilled a commitment to excellence and operational rigor. Nair took voluntary retirement from a distinguished military career to establish Waterline with two partners in 2021, marking the beginning of a new era in his life and in the Vizhinjam community. He aimed to fill a gap in the local shipping market by creating a company that could support the seaport’s needs while generating economic opportunities for the area’s coastal residents.
“Mooring is a critical task that requires precision and efficiency. It’s not only about securing a vessel; it’s about ensuring the vessel and crew are safe under all conditions,” Nair remarked. His experience in the Navy has also informed Waterline’s focus on safety and compliance. The company has made it a point to meet or exceed international standards, a commitment recognized by both vessel operators and port authorities.
In addition to logistical operations, Waterline has fostered a strong culture of teamwork and on-the-job learning. New employees, often from the fishing community, undergo training in mooring techniques, vessel communication, and regulatory procedures. This not only enhances operational effectiveness but also builds a resilient workforce ready to handle the demands of a busy port environment.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Expansion
The arrival of larger vessels at Vizhinjam signals a new phase for the port, as well as for Waterline. The company’s performance during these trial runs has set the stage for expanded operations, and its leaders are optimistic about future growth. With a focus on efficiency and local employment, Waterline hopes to attract more vessels seeking reliable, high-quality service cost-effectively.
As Vizhinjam gains prominence on international shipping routes, Waterline plans to scale its operations accordingly, possibly increasing its workforce and expanding its service portfolio. The company’s leadership envisions adding more specialized services such as technical vessel repair, extended ship chandler services, and customized crew management solutions.
Moreover, Waterline’s commitment to hiring locally and providing intensive training aligns with the long-term development goals of Vizhinjam Seaport, which is expected to become a significant shipping hub for South Asia. As the seaport grows, the demand for skilled maritime services will also rise, opening doors for Waterline to expand its operations while continuing to support the local community.
Conclusion
Waterline Shipping and Logistics Private Limited’s rise is a testament to the potential of local enterprises in a globally competitive industry. By capitalizing on Vizhinjam Seaport’s growing prominence and investing in local talent, Waterline has successfully positioned itself as a reliable, community-oriented partner for large vessel operations. As Vizhinjam continues to attract larger ships, Waterline’s proven efficiency and dedication to the community place it at the forefront of this new chapter in the region’s maritime history.
With future plans for expansion and a clear commitment to community engagement, Waterline’s growth story serves as an inspiring model for similar coastal towns aiming to balance development with sustainability.
